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Dec 29, 2010

Following the blockbuster success of Black Swan, Natalie Portman is swapping her ballet slippers for married men. In The Other Woman, based on Ayelet Waldman's novel Love and Other Impossible Pursuits, Natalie's character has an affair with her boss. The two get married, she becomes a stepmom, and loses her newborn child. The movie follows the other woman's struggle to cope with the tragedy while building a relationship with her stepson. Looks good, don't you think?

From the world's most illustrious zip code to the happiest place on earth, Jennie Garth still looks stunning. The Beverly Hills 90210 alum and her Twilight husband Peter Facinelli brought kids Luca Bella, 13, Lola Ray, 8, and Fiona Eve, 4, to Disneyland. Even without his pale one make-up, Peter still retains his ageless good looks.

Dec 28, 2010

Yours truly isn't the only A-Lister in Barbados right now. Hometown hero Rihanna is back on the island and is showing off her flat abs and roaring personality. Sources say that she is staying in the exclusive Sandy Lanes resort until New Years Eve. RiRi - if you're looking for a jet ski partner, just shoot me an email!

The couple that strolls together stays together. Oscar winning actress Reese Witherspoon, 34, is engaged to Jim Toth, 40, her boyfriend of nine months. No other details have been release yet, but I can't wait to see Ava and Deacon walk their mother down the aisle. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John will make his future kindergarten friends green with envy over his glasses collection. Set to inherit his dad's envious spectacles, 7 lb, 15 oz Zachary was delivered to Elton John and husband David Furnish via surrogate on December 25. The "proud and happy parents" said they are "overwhelmed with happiness and joy at this very special moment." What a way to start off the new year!

Ending the year on a bad note, Teen Mom Amber Portwood was put in jail for abusing baby-daddy Gary Shirley. The reality television stars have allowed their tumultuous relationship to be played out on-screen, but Amber's criminal charges for domestic abuse proves even teenage reality stars are not above the law.

The drama began on-camera when Amber used Gary as a punching bag in front of their two-year-old daughter Leah. After the episode aired, the authorities began investigating Amber and eventually charged her on December 27. The Teen Mom was then put in jail for 24 hours.

Dec 27, 2010

I never pegged proverbial good girl Natalie Portman as one to conceive a baby out of wedlock, but the Golden Globe nominated actress has done just that. The Black Swan actress announced her pregnancy and engagement to choreographer and costar Benjamin Millepied on Monday."I have always kept my private life private but I will say that I am indescribably happy and feel very grateful to have this experience," Natalie told Entertainment Weekly.

Congratulations to the happy couple and I can't wait to see what designer maternity gowns Natalie dons on the red carpet!

Dec 24, 2010

Hollywood's first family of fashion caught the Christmas spirit with Santa Claus. Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani introduced sons Kingston and Zuma to old Saint Nick, but the fairhaired youngster didn't seem to happy. Perhaps mom didn't get him the skinny jeans he put on his list?

Dec 22, 2010

The A List is taking a ten day hiatus from the captivating world of celebrity gossip to enjoy the sand and the surf in Barbados. It will be my first trip to the island and I cannot wait to soak up the sun's rays (with sunscreen, of course). I'll try to update a few times during my vacation but stay tuned for lots of juicy gossip when I return.

It's been nearly three years since Heath Ledger's death, but Michelle Williams is finally speaking out about their relationship. The love affair began on the set of Brokeback Mountain, resulted in a daughter, Matilda, and ended in tragedy. It's clear that Michelle still holds a torch for her late lover, but it's nice to see another man making her smile. Although she and Blue Valentine costar Ryan Gosling deny a relationship, it's easy to see that he puts the sparkle back in her eyes. Powerful interview, don't you think?

Dec 20, 2010

James Van Der Beek and Kimberly Brook introduced adorable daughter Olivia to the world in this week's People magazine. The three-month-old is said to have dad's eyes and mom's hair, but I can't take my eyes off her mini Kabbalah bracelet. I know that the Van Der Beeks are major fans of the mystical Judaism sect, but this is taking devotion to a whole new level. Dressed in only a patterned diaper, the couple surely wanted the Kabbalah bracelet to stand out.

Even more proof of their love for Kabbalah? The little girl was named Olivia after James and Kimberly's favorite olive tree in Israel. The pair are said to have spent time under it when they first met in Israel and then went back to the tree when Kimberly was pregnant. I'm all for Israeli love, but I'm not digging the Kabbalah bracelet. What do you think?

Dec 19, 2010

The third sexually charged single from The Lonely Island is an instant hit. Saturday Night Live boys Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer, the masterminds behind "Dick in a Box" and "Jizz in my Pants" are providing us with some new holiday entertainment. The newly released "I Just Had Sex" features Akon on vocals and it girls Blake Lively and Jessica Alba as the conquests. Catchy, no?

With no shortage of female admirers, teen pop sensation Justin Bieber has finally settled down. The lucky lady is Disney princess Selena Gomez and the duo make a super cute couple. The age appropriate relationship gets the thumbs up from The A List, but I have a feeling the Beliebers of the world will be crying themselves to sleep tonight.

While there has been no shortage of drama on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, this week's episode took cattiness to a whole new level.

At Camille Grammer's dinner party to end all dinner parties, the jabs were flying and no one was safe from medium Alison DuBois. Yes, the inspiration for the show Medium was the guest of honor at Camille's dinner party (read: hired to make Camille seem sane) and she definitely has a few screws loose. I'm not completely opposed to the idea of mediums, but this lady takes crazy to a whole new level. The way she smokes her electronic cigarette (really?!) and insults my favorite housewife, Kyle Richards, is just not ok. Oh, and Camille's "uh huh" moment about Kyle's friend and former Playboy model, Faye Resnick? Real classy.

I became so engrossed in the drama that I literally wanted to scream at Camille. It took all of my willpower to refrain from yelling at the plastic housewife via my computer screen. I comforted myself by remembering that Camille's husband, Kelsey Grammer, eventually divorces her, proving that the mean girls get what they deserve.

Enjoy the hilariousness and don't say I didn't warn you. No dinner party will ever live up to this.

Dec 17, 2010

Jessica Simpson must be throwing a hissy fit after hearing today’s news about ex-boyfriend Tony Romo. It seems that the man who dumped Jessica on the eve of her 29th birthday has proposed to rebound girlfriend Candice Crawford on the eve of her 24th birthday. Sure, Jessica is now engaged to Eric Johnson, but that was supposed to be her ring from Tony – not Candice’s. Do you think

Dec 16, 2010

I've never been big on reality television. Yes, I've watched my share of The Hills and the city (don't judge!) but the other shows never interested me. Lowest on my list of potential shows to watch was the Real Housewives series. The ladies from each city installment were always plastered on the pages of my beloved tabloids, but none of them seemed interesting enough to garner my precious television time.

The two breakout stars of the season are Camille Grammer and Kyle Richards. The uber wealthy ladies both live in the lap of luxury, but are poles apart. While Camille constantly flashes her riches, her homes, her entourage of help, Kyle lives a more demure life. That line Camille feeds us at the beginning of the show about wanting to step out of soon-to-be-ex-husband Kelsey Grammer's shadow? An impossible job when you spend your screen time throwing around his name! (Note: the two were very much happily married during filming). While Camille relies on her four nannies to care for her two children, Kyle is a very hands-on mom. She still leads a charmed life, but there's something about Kyle that I can relate to. Perhaps it's her fear of flying (me too!) or long brown hair (I want it!).

To see what all the fuss is about, tune into The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. You won't regret it!

Dec 15, 2010

I was skeptical about the success of Water for Elephants during production, but the just released trailer proves I have nothing to worry about. Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson and Christoph Waltz shine as the stars of circus. And that elephant? I imagine it's what the elephant at Nicole Richie's wedding looked like. Happy viewing!

High glam was the theme of the Kardashian's Christmas card. The famous clan put on their couture best to wish their friends, families and fans a happy holidays. Bruce, Kris, Kourtney, Scott, Mason, Kim, Khloe, Lamar, Rob, Kendall and Kylie look better suited for a fashion magazine than for a fireplace mantle. Oh, and props to Mason for stealing Kim's spotlight.

Dec 14, 2010

Ever since she became Mrs. Tom Cruise, we haven't seen the signature Katie Holmes smile as much as we would like. Now I'm not saying I agree with all those Stepford wife comments being made in the tabloids, but Katie has been noticeably glum since she tied the knot.

While announcing the Golden Globe nominees this morning, a chipper Katie showed off the megawatt smile we all love. Looking positively glowing next to her Romantics costar Josh Duhamel, Katie looked like the girl from the creek again. Perhaps she should spend some more time with Josh - he obviously knows how to make her happy!

Seasons greetings fellow A-listers! Your music correspondent is back with another compelling post. There has been a lot of fantastic music this year and while not all could make the cut (sorry Willow), I present the top 10 albums of 2010 (with an A-list skew). If you're curious to see what I am currently listening to, be sure to check out my blog. Happy Holidays! Love you - Ari

Only Kanye. After being insulted by Obama, humiliated on South Park, ridiculed on the Today Show, only Kanye would go on to produce the best album of the year. Known for his ego and narcissism, his latest album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy explores his inner struggles after a year of bruises; namely, how one man can be celebrated as both villain and hero. It’s impossible to choose a favorite song; they’re all that good. Kanye West /// Runaway (feat. Pusha T)

With Gaga, Perry, and Kesha dominating the airwaves – it’s almost excusable to overlook Robyn (yes, the “Show Me Love” Robyn). Since rebranding herself in 2005 the Swedish pop diva has been crafting brilliant electro pop records from the sidelines. Her lyrics have an amazing ability to penetrate deeply and embellish the surrounding melody in a way that makes me want to bust a move and sing along. 2010 has been good to Robyn; she has hit every late night show and performed at the VMA’s, oh and released the best dance album of the year.

Canadian indie darlings, return with their third album exploring the themes of individuality and suburbia.It’s weird that Arcade Fire will always be sort of handicapped by their first album, but this year they released a great album, the most innovative music video of the year, and one of my favorite song of the year, the unlikely disco-synth driven, Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains).

Haters gotta hate. After walking offstage in Texas, local Torontonian electro outfitters, Crystal Castles, have received some harsh criticism for their holier-than-thou conceit. They successfully shut everyone up with their fantastic sophomore release. Their attitude may suck, but their music is scary, dark, and shitload of fun.

Sprawling, is an appropriate description for Janelle Monae’s debut full length. Two suites, spanning 70 minutes of rap, R&B, Jazz, rock, dance, and folk – there is a lot to take in. Above the music, it’s her voice demanding attention as it floats through the record. Each song bleeds into the next, creating a sense of cohesion, but there are several twist and turns along the way that are incredibly surprising and rewarding experience.

LCD Soundsystem is slightly condescending in the most charming of ways. James Murphy’s songs typically poke fun directly at the people dancing along to his music. His third album of post-punk electronica is no exception and is the best soundtrack to any house party.

Radio-killa, R&B Gorilla. The-Dream’s final installment in the love trilogy takes off where the last one left off - over the top productions and sultry bedroom slow jams. Umm… if you didn’t know, he co-penned Rihanna’s Umbrella, and Beyonce’s Single Ladies – yah um… maybe you should check this out.

Not enough rapping? Not enough singing? Everyone has put in his or her two cents about homeboy Drake’s debut album. But the minimalist sounds and honesty found within his lyrics have placed his album on my list. Oh, and ‘Shut It Down’ is the sexiest song of the year.

Like her label mate Drizzzzzzy, Ms. Minaj surprised people when she didn’t quite deliver on her promises. “Where’s the Nicki from ‘Monster’? I want her to sound like that!” Yes, there might be some missteps, but I don’t care, ‘Did It On'em’ hits like a big ol’ sack of potatoes.

Adding fuel to the relationship fire, Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams make some pretty lovely remarks about each other. Following this morning's Golden Globes announcement, the Blue Valentine costars each spoke about about their nominations.

"I am very grateful to the HFPA. I also would like to thank them for acknowledging Michelle Williams for her incredible performance," said best actor, drama, nominee Ryan. "Without the 12 years of director Derek Cianfrance's unwavering vision and commitment, none of this would have been possible. I share the nomination with both of them."

Best actress, drama, nominee Michelle remarked, "This nomination is an honor and I am thrilled to share it with my friend, my co-conspirator, and my favorite dance partner, Ryan Gosling. Thank you so much to the Hollywood Foreign Press, the Weinstein Company and, of course, to the inestimable Derek Cianfrance, whose vision led and sustained us all."

I'm taking bets - when will these two officially come out as a couple?

Dec 13, 2010

It seems our favorite Gossip Girl has grown bored of the endless antics of her incestuous group of friends. Blair Waldorf bid Chuck Bass adieu and has drummed up enough trouble to last a lifetime. Now, Leighton Meester revealed that she'll be leaving her designer wardrobe and pricey neighborhood behind for film. With only two-years left on her contract, Josh Schwartz and the writers better get Waldass back together soon...

Dec 12, 2010

Canceling a pro sport game is no small feat, but this week's snow storm gave the Minnesota Vikings no choice. The immense amount of snow caused the Metrodome's roof to cave in, forcing the team to postpone its football game against the New York Giants. Check out the footage - it's crazy!

Looking like a princess in her Monique Lhuillier gown, Joanna Garcia said I do to Nick Swisher. The actress and her New York Yankees outfielder beau tied the knot on Saturday at the Breakers Hotel & Resort in Palm Beach. A List guests included Cameron Diaz, Alex Rodriguez, Jaime-Lynn Sigler, Reba McEntire and Lance Bass. Congratulations to the newlyweds!

Side Note: Reba was my absolute favorite show during university. I spent many nights watching the 1:00 a.m. reruns on CMT and may own a season or two... Garcia's Cheyanne and her onscreen husband Van literally made the show. Come back to prime time soon!

The mild temperatures were no match for socialite Nicole Richie's winter wonderland wedding. Held at her father Lionel Richie's Beverly Hills mansion, fashion darling Nicole wed her longtime beau Joel Madden in front of 130 close friends and family. The winter-themed affair attracted the who's who of young Hollywood (Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson Wentz, Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian, Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani, Samantha Ronson, Rachel Zoe), but the elephant in the room proved to be the most unexpected guest.

Leave it to Nicole to throw in the most unique touch to an otherwise traditional wedding. With daughter Harlow serving as flower girl and son Sparrow in attendance, all eyes were off the wedding party and on the elephant. Nicole has been talking about having an elephant at her wedding since her failed engagement to the late DJ AM, and Joel and Lionel were obviously willing to give in to her slightly offbeat request.

The Old Hollywood style wedding was complete with a rumored $20,000 Marchesa dress, Neil Lane rings and a scrumptious winter menu. The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Run (of Run-DMC!) and Lionel oh so happily walked Nicole down the aisle.

Magazines are said to be in a $100,000+ bidding war over the newlyweds' wedding pictures, but hopefully some shots will be released soon. With Nicole's stylish eye, this will definitely be an affair to remember!

Dec 11, 2010

The world's most precious engagement photo has been released. The hoopla surrounding the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton just intensified with the release of their first official portraits. The casual and formal looks were both shot by famed photographer Mario Testino, who perfectly captured the royal couple's love for each other. While the formal portrait is a bit too stuffy for me, I absolutely love the casual shot. Prince William and Kate look stunning and their love and affection for each other beams through the image. If their engagement photos are this beautiful, I can't even imagine what the wedding pictures will look like!

Dec 8, 2010

With the look of love in their eyes, Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams made quite a fetching pair. The tender moment was caught on camera at the New York red carpet premiere of their new film, Blue Valentine. The duo, who denied dating rumors in the past, looked completely enamored with each other. Both Ryan and Michelle have fallen for costars in the past (Rachel McAdams, Heath Ledger) - is a romance really out of the question?

Dec 7, 2010

Angelina Jolie made sure all eyes were on her last night. With a sky high slit in her winter white dress, Angelina was the belle of the ball at the New York premiere of her new film, The Tourist. With Brad Pitt acting as the perfect accessory, Angelina proved that six kids later she's still got it.

The elder Jolie-Pitt girls will make excellent actresses when they're older. The always comical Shiloh was dressed to the nines while visiting Lee's Art Store in New York City with mom Angelina and sister Zahara. Both Shi and Z's eyes lit up when they spotted the paparazzi. A sure sign of their upcoming stardom, don't you think?

Christina Aguilera must be angling for the worst look of the year award. The recently separated singer made a horrendous appearance in Tokyo while promoting her new film, Burlesque. Her bleached hair is in desperate need of a hot conditioning treatment and her translucent skin is better suited for a vampire flick. Don't even get me started on the dress, the smoky eye and the red lips. Santa, I hope you know what to bring Christina this year...

Last month's Sesame Street scandal hasn't deterred Katy Perry from spicing up the television drama. The singer got her groove on with The Simpsons favorites Mr. Burns ("I kissed a girl and I liked it!) and Moe ("I'll kiss your bellybutton). The red leather dress may be PG, but the final clip was totally rated R. An appropriate joke or is Perry taking her reputation a little too far?

With a smile that adorable, it's no wonder Seraphina Affleck is one of Hollywood's most high profile tots. The almost two-year-old showed off her dimples and pearly whites while racing at a Hanukkah Festival in L.A. on Sunday. With mom Jennifer Garner and big sister Violet looking on, it's clear that Seraphina is the apple of everyone's eyes.

Dec 5, 2010

Now that their publicity shield is off, Knox and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt have been spotted all over the world with their famous parents. The twins have come a long way since hibernating after their People magazine shoot. Their first public outing was in Amman, Jordan, but following that fateful ice cream date, the twins have loved being in the spotlight. Most recently, Knox and Vivienne were spotted with their parents, Brad and Angelina, in an art store in New York City. Aren't they adorable?

The Buy Life campaign started off with a bang. Images of celebrities in coffins became circulating the web, piquing everyone's interest. Among the dead were Kim Kardashian, Ryan Seacrest, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake and Alicia Keys. What these high profile celebrities have in common is there fame and their supposed online influence.

The basis of the campaign was to have these social media butterflies sacrifice their digital lives on World AIDS Day. The celebrities committed to signing offline, no longer engaging with their fans, until the funds were raised for Keys' Keep a Child Alive charity. The entire endeavor was only supposed to last one day, December 1, but apparently the celebrities' online influence doesn't impact fans wallets.

It's been four days and the celebrities are still dead to the online world. The paparazzi shots are still flooding the gossip blogs, but their mundane thoughts have not been heard. The core of the Buy Life campaign was solid - using celebrities to encourage donations should have worked. What happened?

The A List can attest to the influence of celebrities in the digital world. When this blog was retweeted by celebrities, the hits soared. The celebrities participating in this campaign have thousands upon thousands of followers, but either no one wants cares about their tweets or no one wants to open their wallets for the celebrities.

This is where I get confused. Celebrities are constantly used to hawk products, and their influence works. Us normal folk tend to buy products when we see that celebrities use them (hello PR and product placement!), so why doesn't the same influence translate online?

Taking his BlackBerry addiction to a whole new level, Josh Duhamel was kicked off an airplane for refusing to turn off his phone. The mischievous actor was told by a flight attendant to turn off his phone prior to take-off, but Duhamel's thumbs weren't ready to quit. His failure to comply with airplane regulations led the pilot to direct the plane back to the gate and kick the high-profile actor off the plane. Duhamel says he is sorry for the misunderstanding, but I want to know who he was talking to. Is Fergie that important?

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